Personal Statement
Hi, my name is Sierra Mackey and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and why I would be a great asset to your rowing team in 2021. I typically scull and row port, weigh 115 lbs, 5’1”, and am packed with power.
Currently I am a Junior at Parkersburg South High School, WV. I have a 4.3 GPA and am taking all honors and AP courses. In college, I plan on study nursing. I am actively involved in student government, church youth activities, and of course rowing. I began rowing my sophomore year and have made vast improvements since. During my novice season I often rowed in stroke seat in novice boats and participating in boats such as novice and varsity 8, novice 4+, and novice, varsity, and lightweight 4x. I raced the ltwt 4x this past year in SRAA national finals. I also competed in erg competitions during the winter conditioning season, earning a 1st place golden hammer at the Hammer Ergatta at Cleveland State. From winter to spring, I dropped my 2k by over 5 split seconds.
So far this season, I have earned a spot to race in the varsity 8, lwt 2x, and varsity 4x consistently. We don’t travel as much during our 5k season, but we took both the 8 and 4x to the Secret City Head Race In Oakridge, TN where the 4x received a 3rd place finish. When indoor season came, I again made vast improvements on my 2k scores dropping 6 split seconds from my spring PR. My current PR is a 8:12.0. I raced in a handful of erg races placing 3rd in the flyweight category at CRASHBs and remaining undefeated in the lightweight category at local races.
Before I discovered rowing, I was a competitive gymnast for 9 years. Becoming WV level 8 state champion and qualifying for the elite session of regionals for level 8 during my freshman year were the highlights of my career. Gymnastics was a total commitment. I practiced 4 hours a day, five days a week. It made me mentally and physically strong. The self-discipline and strength gained from gymnastics has served me very well in crew. I take ownership of my fitness and my performance. My competitive nature makes me work harder and harder to achieve the next performance level for the betterment of my team.
This summer my goals were to improve my rowing and cardiovascular endurance. I met with my coach, weather and schedule permitting, twice a week at 6 am to row in a single. I also decided to train independently for a half marathon. I completed my first half marathon on 8/17/19, placing second in my age division.
I am an all-around athlete with strength, dedication, competitive spirit, and determination to reach any goals I set.
